It’s been 13 years since Nora Ephron wrote the best-seller “I Feel Bad About My Neck,” which wasn’t exactly a guide to plastic surgery. But interestingly, she did say surgery was the only way to improve her neck’s appearance.
And a lot has changed since then. Today, there are many nonsurgical options for treating neck lines, such as Ultherapy® and laser skin rejuvenation at our Atlanta, GA practice.
Neck wrinkles and sun-damaged décolletage are among the most common concerns we hear from our patients. Even younger women, whose skin retains much of its elasticity, come to us for help with necks that make them feel older. With most of us hunched over our smartphones from an early age, it’s not surprising to see people in their 20s and 30s with unwanted neck lines.
There’s even a name for this new phenomenon—”tech neck”—which refers not only to the poor posture and discomfort associated with extensive phone and computer use, but also to the lines and wrinkles that develop. Of course, tech neck isn’t the only reason for the wrinkles.
What Causes Neck Lines?
As with all skin, age takes its toll on the neck. As the production of collagen and elastin slows down, our neck skin begins developing lines. Sun damage is another culprit. Even people who apply sunscreen daily, often forget to include their necks. Even sleeping on your side can contribute to neck wrinkles, because people naturally tuck their chins into their chests while sleeping in the fetal position.
Smoking, of course, also causes wrinkles and other forms of skin damage.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, there are nonsurgical treatments that can produce excellent results if you’re bothered by neck wrinkles. Treatments that can help include:
Ultherapy: This non-invasive procedure uses ultrasound energy to heat tissue in the skin’s deeper layers. It stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, which tightens and lifts neck skin.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation: Alma Lasers ClearLift™ works similar to Ultherapy, by targeting the skin’s deeper layers to promote new collagen growth. Unlike other laser treatments, ClearLift is non-ablative, meaning it leaves the outer layer of skin undamaged.
Preventing Neck Lines
Necks tend to show signs of aging earlier than faces, because we don’t really think about skin care for the neck until we see lines and wrinkles. But it’s never too late to begin a daily regimen that includes the neck.
Moisturizing and applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is a must. Also, pay attention to your posture throughout the day. Taking regular screen breaks, whether you’re using a mobile device or looking at a desktop computer screen, is a great idea. Also, neck exercises can help tone your neck muscles.
If these concerns sound familiar and you’re interested in a nonsurgical treatment, contact us using the online form, book now, or call us at (404) 233-3937 to schedule an appointment.
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